Service to Willamette Athletics Honoree

Gery Ellibee '73

Football, Track and Field

Hall of Fame Class of 2013

Ellibee was a standout athlete for the Bearcats in football and track and field. In addition, he has been a volunteer assistant track and field coach for jumpers and sprinters at Willamette for 41 years through the 2013 season. He began coaching during his senior year. Ellibee is a tremendous fan of the Bearcats and travels to many road contests.

He arrived at Willamette as a student in 1971 after transferring from Spokane Falls Community College. During his two seasons in track and field, Ellibee amassed six Willamette records.

In indoor track, he set a record in the long jump at 22’ 2” and contributed to setting the record in the mile relay at 3:28.8. Outdoors, he helped set the school record in the 880-yard relay as well as the mile relay in 3:20.6. He tied the WU record at the time in the 440-yard dash in 49.6 seconds. He still holds the Willamette record in the long jump at 23’ 9.75”.

Ellibee was Willamette’s team captain as a senior in track and field. He scored 62 points in meets during his senior season.

In football, he rushed for 902 yards and six touchdowns at Willamette. He earned All-NWC honors twice. His efforts helped the backfield set a WU single season rushing record that stood until the mid-1990s. Ellibee was chosen most inspirational by his teammates.

As a coach, he has provided guidance to numerous All-Americans and All-Conference athletes for more than four decades. He has been a great team motivator and individual mentor to countless student-athletes by inspiring them with his leadership and enthusiasm.

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